Dog Constipation: How to Help If Your Pup Is Struggling to Poop

If you notice your dog straining when they try to poop, they may be dealing with constipation. Though constipation is a common issue, it’s important to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. Constipation can occur in dogs for many reasons, some of which require veterinary attention. 

Here’s what every dog owner needs to know about dog constipation.

What causes constipation in dogs?

Shannon Barrett, DVM, a veterinarian at Island Veterinary Care in Charleston, South Carolina, said there are many possible causes of constipation in dogs. These can include:

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Dehydration

When your dog doesn’t get enough fluids, they can become dehydrated, which can cause constipation.

Diseases that cause dehydration can also lead to constipation. These include:

• Kidney failure

• Diabetes

• Cushing’s disease

Certain health conditions

A number of health conditions can lead to constipation in dogs, including:

• Tumors in the colon or rectum

• Neurological issues that affect the movement of the colon

• Hypothyroidism

• Megacolon (an enlarged colon)

Pain

If a dog experiences pain when they try to poop, they may avoid defecating altogether. Over time, this can lead to fecal matter building up in their system. If too much waste builds up, it can become impacted, making it difficult for your dog to poop at all.

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A dog with arthritis, for example, may develop constipation because they are avoiding crouching down to poop.

Stress

Just as dogs might avoid pooping because of physical pain, they might not poop because of stress or anxiety. This may cause poop to back up in their system, leading to constipation.

Blockage in the intestines

Dogs may become constipated if they ingest something that causes a blockage in their intestines. Blockages prevent waste from moving correctly through the digestive system. Anything your dog can fit in their mouth can cause a blockage, including:

• Bones

• Rocks

• Sticks

• Cloth items like socks or towels

• Foreign objects, such as toys

• Plants

• Ingested fur from overgrooming

Injuries

It’s possible for an old injury, such as a fractured pelvis, to cause constipation issues even years later. A fractured pelvis can result in a narrow pelvic canal, making it harder for stools to pass through.

Medications

Some types of medications can lead to constipation. These include:

• Opioids

• Diuretics

• Antihistamines

• Sucralfate

Diet changes

If you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet, the new food could be causing their constipation. This is especially true if your dog’s diet changes quickly or it’s a new type of food.

What are typical dog constipation symptoms?

Constipation in dogs can cause a number of symptoms, some of which might not be obvious. Possible symptoms include:

• Passing firm, dry poop that may also be thin

• Passing only small amounts of poop, often with a putrid smell

• Straining but not being able to poop at all

• Scooting their butt along the ground

• Circling multiple times as they try to poop

• Lethargy and lack of energy

• Depression

• Not wanting to eat

• Abdominal discomfort

• Vomiting

It’s important to know that straining isn’t always a sign of constipation. Dogs sometimes strain when they are unable to urinate, which is an emergency. If you don’t know whether your dog is having trouble pooping or urinating, speak to a vet right away.

How to treat constipation in dogs?

Before giving your dog anything for constipation, visit your veterinarian. Since constipation can be caused by several things, it’s important to find out whether there’s an underlying condition that needs to be treated.

“Treatment needs to be targeted at the specific reason, or it can make constipation worse,” Barrett said.

For example, surgery is likely the best option to remove a blockage in a dog’s digestive tract, and medication won’t be much help in this situation.

Many treatments to help with dog constipation must be prescribed by a veterinarian or done in a clinic. Your vet might recommend one of the following options to help your constipated dog get moving again:

Hydration

It’s important to hydrate a dog to help relieve immediate constipation, Barrett said. But trying to get your dog to drink more water may not be enough.

“This can be hard for owners to do at home,” she said. “Most dogs need to see their veterinarian for adequate hydration with subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. By the time owners realize that their pets are constipated, oral hydration is unlikely to be adequate.”

Enemas

In addition to fluids, some dogs may benefit from an enema. A dog enema is a liquid solution that’s injected into the intestines through the rectum. The solution adds water content to your dog’s poop and prompts a bowel movement.

But do not try to give your dog an enema at home. You might injure your dog or make their constipation worse. Only experienced veterinary staff should perform enemas.

Laxatives and stool softeners

Laxatives for dogs are one option your veterinarian may recommend. These may include:

• Laxatone

• Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax)

• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

• Docusate (Colace)

• Glycerin

• Lactulose (Cephulac, Chronulac, Cholac, Constulose, Enulose)

• Cisapride (Propulsid)

Some of these work as dog stool softeners or improve the movement of the intestines. Do not try these without consulting your veterinarian for instructions and dosage. If your dog is dehydrated, your vet may not recommend a laxative or stool softener as treatment.

What about constipation in puppies?

If you’re worried that your puppy may be constipated, speak with your veterinarian. They can evaluate your pup and make a treatment recommendation.

Very young puppies — less than 3 weeks old — need to be stimulated to go to the bathroom. This is usually done by their mother. If this isn’t happening, puppies can be at higher risk for constipation. Newborn puppies with constipation may need a warm-water enema from a veterinarian.

Home remedies for dog constipation

Barrett said she doesn’t recommend many home remedies for dogs experiencing constipation. Home remedies should be used only with the guidance of a veterinarian. One thing your vet might recommend is a high-fiber diet.

“We do use increased fiber to help some [dogs] after they have had an episode of constipation,” she said. The increased fiber creates a bulkier stool, which can help stimulate the colon and make it easier for your dog to poop.

If your vet says that your dog would benefit from a higher-fiber diet, try adding canned pumpkin, bran cereal, or a fiber supplement to their food. But don’t try any other remedies, even if you read great things about them online.

Things to avoid giving a constipated dog

There are two things in particular that you should never give your dog for constipation:

1. Coconut or mineral oil: Avoid using mineral oil or coconut oil as a home remedy. “The risks outweigh any potential benefits,” Barrett said. “Dogs cannot handle high-fat foods, including oils. The oils can cause gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatitis, which can result in hospitalization.”

2. Milk: Giving your dog milk to relieve constipation also isn’t a good idea. “Milk can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and is high in sugar,” Barrett said. “It does not help with constipation.”

When is dog constipation serious?

Your dog’s constipation might be serious if it’s been more than 24 hours since they’ve had a bowel movement. Barrett also said you should talk to a vet if:

• Your dog is straining when they try to poop.

• You notice hard feces with any sign of blood.

• Your dog doesn’t want to eat, is vomiting, or has diarrhea.

• Your dog produces overly dry poop.

• Your dog’s bowel movements are noticeably smaller than usual.

“Early intervention can prevent hospitalization,” Barrett said. And if you can’t tell whether your dog is straining because of difficulty with a bowel movement or because they’re having trouble urinating, tell your veterinarian right away. Difficulty urinating is a veterinary emergency. It justifies taking your dog to an animal hospital if your vet isn’t open.

How to prevent constipation in dogs

It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s bowel movements and urination habits, Barrett said. Early intervention can prevent a constipated dog from developing worse symptoms.

“If your dog has been constipated before, it is very important to recognize the warning signs early,” she said.

In addition, to help prevent constipation in dogs, you should:

• Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water.

• Take your dog out for potty breaks often.

• Follow any diet recommendations from your veterinarian.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Paige Cerulli

Paige Cerulli is a freelance writer who specializes in pet and animal topics. She studied English and music performance at Westfield State University.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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